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Coconut Cream Lush

This Coconut Cream Lush recipe is light, creamy, and filled with tropical coconut deliciousness. It is a one-pan dessert that feeds a crowd and even offers a no-bake crust option for those hot weather days.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 24 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 389

Ingredients
  

No-Bake Crust Option
  • 2 packages regular graham crackers
  • 5-8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
Baked Pecan Crust Option
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1/2 cup pecans finely chopped or food-processed
  • 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
  • 16 ounces cream cheese two 8-ounce packages, softened
  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Pudding Layer
  • 6.8 ounces instant coconut cream pudding mix two 3.4-ounce packages
  • 4 cups milk reduce to 3 1/2 cups for a thicker consistency
Topping and Garnish
  • 8 ounces whipped topping thawed (such as Cool Whip)
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes toasted
  • finely chopped pecans optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Offset Spatula
  • Electric Hand Mixer
  • 9x13 Baking Pan

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Crust: For a No-Bake Crust, mix the melted butter with the ground graham crackers and press into a 9x13 inch pan; chill until needed. For a Baked Crust, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Combine flour, melted butter, pecans, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press into the pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Allow the baked crust to cool completely before adding layers.
    2 packages regular graham crackers, 5-8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup pecans, 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
  2. Mix the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and lemon juice. Beat until the mixture is smooth and even. Spread this carefully over your cooled crust.
    16 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup granulated white sugar, 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  3. Prepare the Pudding Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and the instant coconut cream pudding mix. Continue whisking for 4 to 5 minutes until the pudding has thickened. Spread the pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
    6.8 ounces instant coconut cream pudding mix, 4 cups milk
  4. Add the Topping: Spread the thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer using an offset spatula.
    8 ounces whipped topping
  5. Toast the Coconut: Place the coconut flakes on a foil-lined baking sheet and toast at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are a light golden brown.
    1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  6. Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the toasted coconut (and optional pecans) over the top. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 1 hour, or freeze for 6 hours if you want very defined, clean slices.
    1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, finely chopped pecans

Notes

For clean slices, freeze the dessert for at least 6 hours before cutting with a sharp knife. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for one month.
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